Kate

I agree with everything you said in your post. *I'm sure most of us would rather spend our money in purchasing a healthy puppy, with predictable temprament instead of spending hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars on genetically defective animals.

I think the best way to save heartache and aggravation is to go to your local AKC dog shows. *You will soon see who has a sound breeding program and is selling healthy and beautiful, well adjusted animals. *You will soon know and hopefully see at least 3 generations of both of the parents. * It may take some time and you will undoubtedly have to prove yourself to the breeder in order to even get on the waiting list for a puppy, but it will be well worth the wait and the money. *A reputable breeder will usually guaranty the health of the puppy for a year or longer and can provide you with the necessary health certifications (dopler tests, hip dysplasia, etc.) that can assure you a long and happy life with your new baby. *Even the top breeders in the country have to place puppies in non-show homes (usually with spay/neuter agreements) and even pointed or finished champions (adults) that are no longer needed in their particular breeding programs need good homes too. * This way you get the best of both worlds, a beautiful representation of the breed, certified healthy and outstanding temperment, while affordably priced.

Just because someone owns an AKC registered animal and breeds it to another aKC registered animal, there is no guaranty as to the individual genetic background and personality characterists of the two lines (out-crossing).

Pet stores get puppies stuffed in crates and envelopes filled with AKC litter registrations *and they are left to sort out who is who. *You can't be sure you even get the correct papers for the individual pup you are puchasing because their pups do come from puppy mills where any number of females get bred by any number of males and the puppy mill will just send AKC the names of a male and female to get a litter registered and then ship them off to be sold. *Very sad but very true.

The most money I ever spent on a puppy was $5,000.00, but you can be sure I knew her pedigree and every dog and bitch back at least 6 generations. *Best of all I got what I paid for.

This is not to say that there aren't wonderful pets out there, but if you are serious about purchasing a new companion that you will spend the next 15+ years with, why not do the research first and get the most for your money.

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